James Halstead Regulatory News (JHD)

31 July 2013

James Halstead plc

Pre-close Trading Statement

James Halstead plc, the commercial flooring manufacturer and distributor, is providing the following trading update prior to entering the close period ahead of its results for the year to 30 June 2013.

In its interim results statement issued on 28 March 2013, the Company reported first half year trading was solid with record profit though turnover was down on the comparative period by 7.5%. Adding a note of caution, the Chief Executive, Mr. Mark Halstead commented that there was a slow-down in several of the markets that the Company exports to and that maintaining last year's level of profit could prove difficult.

Since the announcement of the interim results, the Company has continued to trade solidly in difficult global conditions. There is modest growth in our UK flooring turnover but total turnover will be some 4% below the previous year of which half is a result of the discontinued activities in motorcycle accessories.

Taking the above into consideration it is expected that operating profit will be within the range of market expectations.

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